Overview
- Chelsea announced on Wednesday that Marco Palestra has joined from Atalanta on a long‑term deal after completing medicals in London.
- Multiple outlets report the fee at roughly mid‑to‑high €50 million including add‑ons and a six‑year contract with an option for a seventh year.
- The Blues outbid Inter Milan late in negotiations to secure Palestra, making him Xabi Alonso’s first major signing and a fit for a wing‑back role.
- The transfer follows Chelsea’s sale of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid and comes as UEFA has urged the club to reduce squad costs under financial monitoring.
- Palestra, a 21‑year‑old Atalanta academy product who impressed on loan at Cagliari and earned Italy caps, left Bergamo with an emotional farewell and will join Chelsea for pre‑season.